The annual list is a joint effort of Virginia Business and the Virginia Bar Association. For 2015, top Virginia lawyers are selected from a nomination pool of nearly 3,800, with about 1,000 making the final list. Voting for the Legal Elite is open to any licensed Virginia lawyer. The magazine profiles a representative from each of the 18 legal categories, selected from the top 10 vote recipients in each group.

Among their list of peers were other lawyers hailing from academies such as the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond and the College of William & Mary.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia has stellar law schools and numerous nationally and internationally prominent law firms, and so it is quite an honor for attorneys to be included among the Legal Elite,” said LAW dean Michael Hernandez. “I am proud of Lu Ann and Karen for being excellent representatives of Regent Law. It is particularly rewarding to see our graduates recognized for achievements in vital practice areas such as Corporate, Commercial, and Bankruptcy Law.”

The 18 lawyers on the list each represent a different legal category. Klevecz won for her category in Corporate Counsel — the first year for this category; and Crowley for Bankruptcy/Creditors’ Rights.

“It is satisfying to know that my peers respect the work I do on behalf of my clients,” said Crowley. “I know many great lawyers who do not appear on the list; however, it still feels good to be recognized within my profession.”

However, Crowley said her desire is that her clients and colleagues don’t consider her a good lawyer just because she’s on “the list.”

“But, because they respect and appreciate the quality legal service that I provide to the individuals and businesses I represent,” said Crowley.

She and Klevecz recently had the opportunity to work together on a “complicated and emotional” bankruptcy case.

“Lu Ann was professional and highly qualified, thus her inclusion on this year’s Legal Elite was not surprising as I knew it was deserved,” said Crowley. “When I see fellow alums on the Legal Elite list, it makes me feel good about Regent and the quality of students that graduate from the law school.”